In this new episode we take a look at France's new government. It's been dubbed a government of "losers" and we'll get to the bottom of who's in it, how long it might last and whether foreigners in France should be wary of the direction it takes.

We also find out why the Chinese are giving France's cognac makers a huge headache, whether Paris deserves its reputation as the "City of Rats", and look at the future of two important airport hubs in south west France.

And we also find out whether the EU could stub out smoking once and for all on French café terraces.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by my usual cabinet, Emma Pearson our minister of interior and French alcohol, Gen Mansfield, minister for transport and rodents and John Lichfield our secretary of state for the defence... of French politics.

Extra reading:

• OPINION: Barnier's fragile and muddled government reflects the France of today
• INTERVIEW: 'Bordeaux airport will recover from loss of Ryanair in two years'
• French cognac makers see red over Chinese tariff threats
• Paris 'rat-catcher' mayor invited to New York to share tips
• Is the EU really going to ban smoking on French café terraces?
• From calvados to chartreuse: The ultimate booze map of France

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